What can you do to make a difference? More than you realize! To spread awareness about the challenges of poverty and the best ways to help individuals and families break this cycle, Community Action Services‘ Circles program is hosting the 2022 Poverty Summit. In preparation, here’s what you need to know about what poverty looks like, how we all can help and what to look forward to at the summit.

What poverty looks like

In 2022, the poverty line in the U.S. was set at a yearly income of $32,470 for a family of five. That’s two adults and three children. In 2020, the per capita income in Utah was only $30,986. No wonder so many in our community are suffering from food and financial insecurity. 

Additionally, according to Columbia University’s Poverty Tracker, the poverty rate in July 2022 was 21.6% among Latinos, 21.8% among blacks and 10.8% among whites. In an August 2021 Census survey, 36.6% of LGBT adults reported that their household had trouble covering household expenses in the previous seven days. Of non-LGBT adults, 26.1% reported having trouble covering household expenses. Nearly 20% of LGBT adults also reported that their household had lost employment income in the past four weeks, compared with 16.8% of non-LGBT adults.

How we all can help

If you can, consider participating in our local Circles program, based in Provo. Since 2011, the Circles Program, hosted by Community Action Services, has had two goals: to 1) help individuals and families get out of poverty and 2) remove the barriers that keep people in poverty. Circles isn’t about quick fixes or handouts: Circles is a long-term program that equips families and individuals with the relationships, confidence, skills and knowledge required to be self-reliant. 

Simply being a friend can make a huge difference, too!

One of the easiest and most impactful ways to make a difference is to befriend someone who needs help,

First, you can pay attention to your neighbors and friends and learn to recognize when they may need support. Simple support can come in the form of having pizza delivered to their home, offering to take their kids for a night or even inviting neighborhood kids to local events along with your children. 

“These simple things can show others you see them and you are a support to be counted on,” she said. “Allies in the Circles program are friends to those experiencing poverty. They help identify barriers and discuss solutions. Allies and the sense of community Circle’s participants gain are a key factor to their success.”

Attend the summit for empowering information

The 2022 Poverty Summit will include special guest speakers who will address what poverty looks like in Utah County and the causes of poverty, then focus on ways each of us can make an impact. Two of the invited speakers, Kathie Christensen and Alicia Piceno, will share their personal success stories of breaking free of poverty and how the Circles program assisted them in their efforts.

Ending the war on poverty takes concerted effort and an understanding of what contributes to food and financial insecurity. That’s why Community Action invites all community leaders and interested parties to attend the summit. This event is especially informative for business leaders, community managers, government officials and all those concerned about improving the lives of families in the area.

Poverty is affecting far too many Utah families and individuals. Thankfully, we each can do our part to help. To understand more about the challenges of poverty and the best ways to help individuals and families break this cycle, consider attending the 2022 Poverty Summit. We hope to see you there!

The summit will be held on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., in the Provo City Library’s ballroom (550 N. University Ave.). You can register online to attend. For more information, contact Helen Card, director of the Circles program, at helenc@communityactionuc.org or 801-616-7553.